Radio 3 in Concert: James MacMillan and the BBC Symphony Orchestra

The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by James MacMillan in Pärt, Britten, Rautavaara and, with the Symphony Chorus, MacMillan's Fiat Lux with Mary Bevan and Roderick Williams. Few living composers communicate with the emotional directness of James MacMillan, so the first UK performance of his Fiat Lux - premiered earlier this year in California - is a big event. First, though, MacMillan conducts works by Pärt, Britten and Rautavaara - music that he has chosen to illuminate and complement his own creativity. It's easy to see where he's coming from, as music of passionate mourning and turmoil leads up to the first UK performance of a work that US critics have praised for its 'thrilling exuberance'. For MacMillan, 'beauty is at the heart of our Christian faith' and Fiat Lux is sure to be profoundly shaped by his beliefs. But as ever, his inspiration transcends any one interpretation: expect a celebration both of tradition, and of radical renewal. Live from the Barbican Hall, London. Presented by Martin Handley. Arvo Pärt: Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten. Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem. Interval: Einojuhani Rautavaara: Into the Heart of Light 'Canto V'. James MacMillan: Fiat Lux (UK Premiere). Mary Bevan (soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone). BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, James MacMillan (conductor)